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An enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of specific amino acids in food plays a key role in the development of leukemias and brain cancer, scientists reported. They discovered a surprising link between energy metabolism and the so-called “epigenetic code”. These labels in the DNA of cancer stem cells determine the activity of genes and, thus, many cellular functions. [Press release from German Cancer Research Center discussing online prepublication in Nature]
Press Release | Abstract

The effects of carnosol (CAR) on U87MG-derived CSC viability and stemness features were evaluated. CAR decreased the rate of CSC formation and promoted the CSC apoptotic cell death through p53 functional reactivation. [Sci Rep]
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Scientists outline our current understanding of the role played by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters in CSCs, how their expression is regulated and how they support the malignant metabolic phenotype. [Int J Mol Sci]
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Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. announced that that Dr. Martin Bexon, MD, Head of Clinical Development at Medicenna, will present results from earlier clinical trials. The poster presentation by Dr. Bexon provides an overview of the safety and efficacy results from previous Phase I and II clinical trials of the targeted immunotherapy, MDNA55, in 66 patients with recurrent glioblastoma. [Press release from Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. discussing research presented at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas’ (“CPRIT”) Fifth Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference, Austin]
Press Release

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced the FDA has expanded the indication for Sprycel® tablets to include the treatment of children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company]
Press Release

The last thing that graduate students need is a tax hike. But that is what many would face under a clause in the federal-tax-reform bill passed by the US House of Representatives. It will need to be reconciled with the Senate’s tax-reform bill (which retains many existing student tax benefits), and signed by the president. [Nature News]
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